2of 74New England Patriots defensive back Eric Rowe (25) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Vyncint Smith (17) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

3of 74Houston Texans running back Lamar Miller (26) is hit by New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

4of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) dodges Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) and avoids a sack during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

5of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) dodges Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) and avoids a sack during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

6of 74New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) pulls away from Houston Texans linebacker Dylan Cole (51) for a first down during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

7of 74New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) pulls away from Houston Texans linebacker Dylan Cole (51) for a first down during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

8of 74Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) runs into the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown run against the New England Patriots during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

9of 74Houston Texans defensive coordinator talks to his players on the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

10of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass over Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

11of 74Houston Texans defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (32) returns a fumble by New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

12of 74Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) is stopped short of the goal line by New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

13of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by New England Patriots defensive end Keionta Davis (58) and defensive end Trey Flowers (98) as he tries to throw a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. The pass fell incomplete.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

14of 74Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) makes a catch against New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) during the third quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

15of 74New England Patriots wide receiver Phillip Dorsett (13) makes a catch near the goal line against Houston Texans cornerback Kevin Johnson (30) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

16of 74New England Patriots running back Jeremy Hill (33) is tripped up by Houston Texans defensive back Justin Reid (20) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

18of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) breaks away from New England Patriots linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley (51) as he runs for a first down during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

19of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field following the Texans 27-20 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

20of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by New England Patriots defensive end Keionta Davis (58) as he tries to throw a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. The pass fell incomplete.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

21of 74New England Patriots running back James White (28) dives into the end zone under Houston Texans linebacker Benardrick McKinney (55) for a 12-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

23of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

24of 74Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue (28) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive back Eric Rowe (25) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

25of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field following the Texans 27-20 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

26of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with running back James White (28) after his 12-yard touchdown reception against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

27of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by New England Patriots defensive end Keionta Davis (58) and defensive end Trey Flowers (98) as he tries to throw a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. The pass fell incomplete.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

28of 74Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien talks to quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during a time out in the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

29of 74Houston Texans offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson (76) is taken from the field after suffering an injury during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

30of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass as he is rushed by Houston Texans defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (90) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

32of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is hit by New England Patriots defensive end Keionta Davis (58) as he tries to throw a pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. The pass fell incomplete.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

33of 74New England Patriots defensive back Duron Harmon (21) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. Harmon was called for a penalty on the play, giving the Texans a first down.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

34of 74Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) leaps for a ball over New England Patriots defensive back Duron Harmon (21) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. Harmon was called for a penalty on the play, giving the Texans a first down.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

35of 74Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien talks to quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

36of 74Houston Texans defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (32) ingtercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots running back James White (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

37of 74Houston Texans defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (32) ingtercepts a pass intended for New England Patriots running back James White (28) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

38of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is forced out of the pocket by Houston Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader (98) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

39of 74Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien walks up the sidelines during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

42of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass as he is rushed by Houston Texans defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney (90) and J.J. Watt (99) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

44of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

46of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs out of the pocket away from New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) to avoid a sack during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

47of 74New England Patriots wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) points forward after making a first down reception against Houston Texans defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

48of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs out of the pocket away from New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) to avoid a sack during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

49of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs out of the pocket against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

50of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

51of 74New England Patriots wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) makes a first down reception between Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) and defensive back Johnathan Joseph (24) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

52of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) reacts after the Texans were called for a penalty during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

53of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs out of the pocket away from New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

54of 74Houston Texans defensive back Johnson Bademosi (23) falls on a loose ball for a turnover on a punt play during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

56of 74New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) beats Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson (25) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) for a 21-yard touchdown reception during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

57of 74New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) beats Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson (25) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) for a 21-yard touchdown reception during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

58of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass to running back Tyler Ervin (21) against the New England Patriots during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

59of 74New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

60of 74New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) beats Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson (25) and linebacker Zach Cunningham (41) for a touchdown reception during the first quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

62of 74New England Patriots wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tripped up by Houston Texans defensive back Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

63of 74Houston Texans center Greg Mancz (65) gathers his teammates in a huddle before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

64of 74Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) walks along the sidelines while warming up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

65of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) throws a pass while warming up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

66of 74Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien watches his team warm up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

67of 74Houston Texans defensive end Christian Covington catches a football in the end zone as linebacker Whitney Mercilus, left, plays referee as they warm up before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

68of 74Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt shakes hands with soldiers on the sidelines before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

69of 74Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt throws a football to soldiers on the sidelines before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

70of 74Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt throws a football as gets loose on the field before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

71of 74Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt tosses a football to fans before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

72of 74Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson high fives fans as he leaves the field before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

73of 74Houston Texans defensive back Kareem Jackson high fives fans as he leaves the field before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

74of 74Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) walks off the field following the Texans 27-20 loss to the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.Photo: Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

One of the reasons why the Texans decided to promote offensive tackle Roderick Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster was his steady improvement.

The former Cleveland Browns fifth-round draft pick has made strides as a blocker since he joined the Texans in June off waivers.

“I thought he got better and better in the preseason," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "Athletic guy, great length, size-wise, and really good teammate. So, I think that was the best move for us to make.” Johnson got the call Tuesday when the Texans were in the process of placing veteran tackle Seantrel Henderson on injured reserve with a broken ankle.

Aaron Wilson is a Texans beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, joining the paper in August 2015. He was a Baltimore Ravens beat writer from 2001 to 2015, working for The Baltimore Sun, including coverage of Super Bowl XLVII, the Ray Rice domestic violence case and the careers of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Jonathan Ogden, and previously covered the team for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.

This marks the second time the Washington, D.C. native has covered the AFC South, previously covering the Tennessee Titans and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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